As we begin the year 2022, as MHHS Students, Citizens of the United States, and consequently of Planet Earth, we've been hit by yet another COVID-19 variant - Omicron. Unsurprisingly, with the increased transmissibility of this variant, COVID-19 cases have spiked, nationally and locally, creating safety risks for many students, and more importantly their families and their older relatives.

At first glance, an obvious solution seems to be to shut down schools, revert to online, and institute another lockdown. However, although this is a tried and tested method, it had vast negative implications of the lives of students and working parents. Unlike the beginning of the pandemic, when the world collectively did not possess the scientific knowledge to make bold decisions, we do have that knowledge now. 

It is heinously wrong to assert that coronavirus cases are a reason for shutting down schools, and as much as some people want to return home, such an option does exist with the online pathway. Students can change their courses to online, and decide whether or not to come to school on regular days, as the online pathway provides that flexibility. To assert that everybody should be sent home is a one-sided opinion. Everyone, regardless of their background, grade, academic standing, or whatsoever, SHOULD RECEIVE THE CHANCE TO HAVE THEIR CHOICE IN A VALUABLE EDUCATION. Whether that is staying home via the online pathway, going to school in a safer environment, vaccinating or testing.

Rather than close down schools again, it is time to rule in favor of the students and mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for all students who attend school. 

Those who don't want to get vaccinated should be able to opt to take an RT-PCR test per week.

It is beyond abundantly clear that vaccinations and testing are better options than a school closure. Support the students and their successful education. Sign this petition and support mandated vaccination or testing instead.